Each year when Presidio La Bahia in Goliad presents the Goliad Massacre-Fort Defiance Living History program, it is concluded with a memorial service in remembrance of the men who served and died with Col. Fannin.

The service starts inside the 234-year- old Our Lady of Loreto Chapel and proceeds to the Fannin Monument. Flags that represent the countries and states that the men came from will be carried in that procession.

On June 3, 1836 after the burial of the remains of Col. Fannin and his men, General Rusk read a burial statement. That statement is read each year at the memorial service. This year, Suzi Smith Warzecha, longtime campaign chairperson for Friends of the Fort, will read the statement.

Clubs, businesses and groups are encouraged to participate in the memorial service.

Those wishing to lay wreaths or palms, as it will be Palm Sunday, as part of the service should have their wreaths at the presidio by 10:30 a.m. Sunday, March 24 and be there to carry them from the chapel to the Fannin Monument during the procession.

To be recognized at the time of the laying of the wreaths, inform the director of the name of the organization presenting the wreath and who represents that organization.